Financial penalties

Posted: 20.04.09  |  Created by:

From 4 May 2009 retailers can no longer supply single-use polyethylene carry bags of less than 35 microns. If they continue to do so, they face a maximum penalty of $5,000 and on the spot fines of $315. The fines will apply if retailers either sell or give away the banned plastic bags.

Retailers must supply alternative bags to customers. The decision on whether to charge or how much to charge is up to the retailer.

Retailers are protected from unknowingly buying banned bags and supplying them to their customers. If a supplier provides a retailer with bags they know are banned, they will be guilty of an offence from 4 May 2009, with a maximum penalty of $20,000.

Retailers should ensure that the environmental benefits claimed by businesses supplying compostable bags are substantiated and do not contravene principles outlined in the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s publication Green marketing and the Trade Practices Act.

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